It established a procedural framework for visual testing (VT), ensuring consistency whether a pipeline is welded in the UK, Germany, or Spain. The standard required that the examination be performed on welds "as-welded," though exceptions applied if specified in a contract.
Note that BS EN ISO 17637 is the modern equivalent; ensure your documentation cites the currently active version required by your contract. bs en 970 visual inspectionpdf best
Visual inspection is the most fundamental, cost-effective, and critical non-destructive testing (NDT) method in welding engineering. Before employing expensive radiography or ultrasonic testing, a thorough visual examination can detect up to 80% of surface defects. For decades, ("Non-destructive examination of fusion welds — Visual examination") served as the backbone standard for this process across Europe and international supply chains. It established a procedural framework for visual testing
| Discontinuity | Normal Level | Stringent Level | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Not permitted | Not permitted | | Undercut | ≤ 0.5 mm depth | ≤ 0.2 mm depth | | Porosity (single pore) | ≤ 1.0 mm diameter | ≤ 0.5 mm diameter | | Excess penetration | ≤ 2.0 mm height | ≤ 1.0 mm height | | Incomplete fusion | Not permitted | Not permitted | | Discontinuity | Normal Level | Stringent Level